What is the average FPS difference between the RTX 4070 and RTX 3070?

Across our tested games, the RTX 4070 is, on average, about 18% faster than the RTX 3070 at 1440p. This difference can be larger in more demanding titles.

Is the RTX 4070 worth upgrading to from an RTX 3070?

For most gamers, the performance increase from an RTX 3070 to an RTX 4070 might not justify the cost unless you are aiming for higher resolutions or significantly higher frame rates at 1440p.

Which card is better for 4K gaming, the RTX 4070 or RTX 3070?

The RTX 4070 is noticeably better for 4K gaming, offering higher frame rates and a smoother experience in demanding titles. The RTX 3070 struggles to maintain playable frame rates at 4K in many modern games.

Can the RTX 4070 play Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p smoothly?

Yes, our benchmarks show the RTX 4070 achieving 65 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p with high settings, which is a smooth experience for most players.

RTX 4070 vs RTX 3070 for Gaming: Which Should You Buy?

RTX 4070 vs RTX 3070: The Verdict

The RTX 4070 is the clear winner in our benchmark tests, delivering up to a 20% performance uplift over the RTX 3070 across tested titles. For example, in Counter-Strike 2 at 1440p, the RTX 4070 hits 222 fps while the RTX 3070 manages 190 fps. This generational leap means the RTX 4070 offers a smoother, more consistent gaming experience, especially at higher resolutions or with demanding graphical settings.

Performance Differences at a Glance

Across our suite of games, the RTX 4070 consistently outperforms the RTX 3070. At 1080p, the RTX 4070 averages around 19% faster, while at 1440p, it extends its lead to approximately 20%. The gap narrows slightly at 4K, with the RTX 4070 showing about a 16% advantage on average, though this is tempered by the overall lower frame rates at that resolution. The RTX 4070 achieved 42 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K, compared to the RTX 3070's 35 fps. In less demanding titles like Dota 2, both cards push very high frame rates, with the RTX 4070 reaching 218 fps at 1440p versus the RTX 3070's 186 fps.

Resolution Scaling and Settings

When gaming at 1080p, both cards provide excellent performance in most titles. However, the RTX 4070's higher frame rates at this resolution mean you have more headroom for pushing graphical settings or utilizing higher refresh rate monitors. At 1440p, the RTX 4070 truly shines, offering significantly smoother gameplay and making it the more comfortable choice for high-refresh-rate gaming. For 4K gaming, the RTX 4070 is more capable, pushing frame rates above 60 fps in many titles, whereas the RTX 3070 often dips below that threshold, particularly in graphically intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077 where it hit 35 fps. The RTX 4070 managed 42 fps in the same scenario.

Targeting Specific Games

In esports titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, both GPUs deliver very high frame rates. The RTX 4070's 317 fps at 1080p in CS2 is overkill for most players, but its 222 fps at 1440p offers a noticeable advantage for competitive players. For graphically demanding AAA titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 4070 provides a more playable experience, especially at 1440p, where it achieves 65 fps compared to the RTX 3070's 54 fps. For open-world games like Grand Theft Auto V, the RTX 4070's 154 fps at 1440p provides a much smoother experience than the RTX 3070's 128 fps.

Value and Upgrade Considerations

While the RTX 4070 offers superior performance, its higher price point must be considered. If you are upgrading from an older or lower-tier card and are targeting 1440p gaming, the RTX 4070 represents a significant upgrade. For those who already own an RTX 3070, the performance uplift might not justify the cost of a new card unless you are specifically aiming for higher resolutions or frame rates. The RTX 3070 remains a capable card for 1080p and even some 1440p gaming, especially if found at a discounted price.

Practical Takeaway

For gamers prioritizing performance and looking to maximize their experience at 1440p or dabble in 4K, the RTX 4070 is the superior choice. If budget is a primary concern and you primarily game at 1080p or are content with good-but-not-top-tier 1440p performance, the RTX 3070 can still be a viable option, especially if available at a lower price.